Technical Absorbents open needlefelt line for nonwovens

July 29, 2015 - United Kingdom

Technical Absorbents Ltd (TAL), manufacturer of Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) and SAF containing nonwoven fabrics, yarns, and tapes, has recently invested in a needlefelt line at its facility in Grimsby, UK.

TAL has been involved in the manufacture of SAF-containing roll goods for a number of years, but has previously worked with a number of global partners. The new line will provide TAL with greater flexibility and product development opportunities.

The line can produce fabrics up to 2 metres wide in basis weights from 130 to 1000 grams, containing as much as 80 per cent SAF. To help protect the fibre during processing, the line is housed in a low-humidity environment, the company said on its website.

Product development director at TAL, Dr Mark Paterson said, “Initially the line will be used for Research and Development, as well as making commercial products. We are also willing to undertake short-order trial runs for potential customers where possible.”

Paterson added, “The choice of needlefelt compared with the other nonwovens technologies, was based on a number of factors. The key growth areas for us are the medical and filtration markets and the new line is a good fit for this. As a company, we have now established our own needlefelt expertise and can call on advice from our partners as and when required. We will also continue to supply airlaid fabrics and other converted products as normal.” (GK)